Cardiovascular risk factors among the inhabitants of an urban Congolese community: results of the VITARAA Study

AbstractObjectiveThe objective is to assess cardiovascular risk profile in an urban Congolese population.Design and MethodsFrom July 2007 to March 2008, we investigated 1824 inhabitants (≥10year old) randomly recruited from the Adoula quarter (Kinshasa, Congo). Measurements included: anthropometry, medical history and lifestyle habits via questionnaire, blood pressure and pulse rate (Omron M6, HEM 7001E), blood glucose, plasma lipids, and semi-quantitative proteinuria tests. We used stepwise logistic regression to model the odds for hypertension and diabetes.ResultsIn 1292 adult participants ≥20years (56.6% women, mean age 37±15years), the prevalence of hypertension and known diabetes was 30.9% and 4.2%, respectively. Among participants with hypertension respectively 46.6%, 29.3% and 18.3% were aware, on treatment and controlled. Control was better among women and subjects below age 55, but lower in overweight/obese subjects. The odds for hypertension independently increased with age (P<0.0001), overweight/obesity (P